Top 5 Nutrition Myths and Facts for 2016

Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***.

Nutrition Myths and factsIf you are looking to succeed in reaching your health goals in 2016, you will need to be aware of the top nutrition facts and nutrition myths. However, no matter what you do, if it becomes an obsession you’re less likely to experience the results you want in 2016. When a person turns on “tunnel vision” they can isolate themselves, create undue stress and fail to enjoy many benefits of a diverse life.

This is extremely true when a person is dieting or doing their best to eat better. What makes it more difficult is that every day the media reports on different nutrition myths or nutrition facts such as a new super food that you need to include in your diet if you want to live longer.

On the other hand, they may report on other nutrition facts including food that will kill you if it’s in your diet. In 2016—when it comes to dieting, losing weight, what you should eat, and your sanity— moderation is the key.

Nutrition Myth #1: If You Rarely Indulge in 2016, Your Whole Diet Will Be Thrown Off

Nutrition Fact: In 2016, you should try and make healthier choices. Choose your calories wisely, control portion sizes, and stay away from processed foods packed with sodium and sugar. However, if you indulge yourself from time to time, it is a nutrition myth that you will throw your plans off the rails or make yourself sick. Enjoying a couple of slices of pizza, an ice cream cone, a hamburger and fries, or a sugary snack once in a while can give you a sense of guilt-free pleasure.

Nutrition Myth #2: Everything You Read About Nutrition Facts are True

Nutrition Fact: There are all kinds of nutrition myths out there that are perpetrated by people who, for the most part, just need captivating nutrition facts to write about. Nutrition myths such as how any sugar in your diet will slowly kill you, or if you don’t eat a cup of blueberries every day you’re not going to live as long. At the end of the day, these are just sensationalized nutrition myths drafted to capture readers. Yes, some nutrition facts such as refined sugars consumed in excess can be very dangerous, and blueberries can have health benefits, but not nearly to the degree many bloggers or “nutrition experts” might insist.

Nutrition Myth #3: Added Sugar Is Always Bad

Nutrition Fact: Adding sugar to food isn’t always a bad thing. If you don’t particularly like certain fruits, vegetables, or other tart foods, sprinkling a small amount of sugar can make it easier to consume. It is a nutrition myth that an occasional pinch of sugar on your blueberries, for example, could kill you. If it’s what you need to make the blueberries more palatable, the benefits likely outweigh the negatives.

Nutrition Myth #4: Added Salt or Sodium Is Ruining Your Health

Nutrition Fact: Salt and sodium are constantly vilified. And yes, it is a nutrition fact that if you’re eating processed foods on a daily basis that are packed with an astronomical amount of sodium, you might experience health problems and increase your risk for certain cardiovascular issues. But it is a nutrition myth that adding a dash of salt to boiling water to cook vegetables or other foods is a bad thing. In fact, it can actually make your vegetables more nutritious by reducing leaching—the process of nutrient extraction from the water.

In 2016, I am emphasizing that moderation is key. Don’t stress out by adding a little sugar or salt from time to time. Just make a conscious effort to eat healthy 80% of the time. And remember, when you do have that pizza or ice cream, pay attention to your portion size. It is a nutrition myth that a scoop or slice will cause major complications. However, it is a nutrition fact that the whole tub of ice cream or entire pie can sabotage your health!

Nutrition Myth #5: Eggs Will Cause a Heart Attack

Nutrition Fact: It is a nutrition myth that eating an egg a day will be the cause of a heart attack. Eggs contain about 210 mg of cholesterol in the yolk—an amount that concerns most people but shouldn’t. It is a nutrition fact that cholesterol is a culprit in clogging your arteries and increasing your heart disease risk. However your concern should be with your intake of saturated fats and trans fats, especially from processed food items. Your body produces cholesterol from saturated fats that are consumed through your diet.

Finally—were you aware of the nutrition fact that if your diet contains a larger amount of cholesterol, then your body can compensate by reducing the amount it produces internally? Don’t overdo it though. You should limit your cholesterol intake to no more than 300 milligrams a day, and only 200 milligrams daily for those with a history of heart disease or diabetes. If you want to enjoy a larger omelette in the morning, stick to one full egg and supplement it with some extra egg whites.

Sources for Today’s Article:
Gunnars, K., “6 Healthy Sugars That Can Kill You,” Authority Nutrition web site, December 2, 2013; http://authoritynutrition.com/6-healthy-sugars-that-can-kill-you/.
Hendley, J., “The 13 Biggest Nutrition and Food Myths Busted,” EatingWell web site; http://www.eatingwell.com/nutrition_health/nutrition_news_information/the_13_biggest_nutrition_and_food_myths_busted, last accessed December 23, 2015.

Upton, J., “10 Nutrition Myths,” Cooking Light web site; http://www.cookinglight.com/eating-smart/nutrition-101/nutrition-myths-facts-00412000067116/, last accessed December 24, 2015.